According to Creative Australia, the Music Australia Export Development Fund provides matched funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 for Australian contemporary music artists undertaking international touring and performance activities. The initiative, run in collaboration between the Australian Government and the music industry, aims to strengthen the global presence of local talent, support emerging and established acts, and build sustainable international careers.
Grant Overview and Program Objectives
The primary purpose of the fund is to help Australian contemporary music artists develop overseas markets and reach new global audiences. According to program guidelines, eligible participants include solo artists, bands, ensembles, electronic artists, producers, songwriters, and composers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Organizations and music businesses may also submit applications on behalf of their artists. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
To qualify, proposed activities must meet Music Australia’s official definition of contemporary music, meaning the work is new, original, and relevant to contemporary Australia. Projects must have a clear international purpose and demonstrate how they will contribute to audience development, market growth, and artist visibility.
Pro Tip: Ensure your project timeline aligns with the specific funding rounds. Activities must be scheduled to start between specific program dates, and applicants can submit only one application per category in each round, according to Creative Australia.
Eligible International Activities
The grant exclusively supports international touring and performance opportunities designed to expand an artist’s overseas footprint. According to program documentation, eligible activities encompass:
- International tours, including headline or support tours (or combinations of both)
- Festival appearances and Biennale appearances
- Commissioned performances with an international context
- Official showcase performances presented to international audiences and industry professionals
Applicants must clearly describe the proposed tour or performance, detail the participating creative workers, and outline the expected professional and audience-development outcomes.
Budget Requirements and Matched Funding Rules
The fund operates entirely on a matched-funding model. According to Creative Australia, applicants must demonstrate financial contributions equal to or greater than the grant request. For example, an artist requesting a $25,000 grant must show at least $25,000 in eligible matched financial contributions.
Crucially, in-kind contributions and other government grants cannot be used to satisfy the matched-funding requirement. Evidence of the required financial contributions must be attached directly to the application support material.
Eligible Project Costs and Management Limits
The grant can cover a broad range of expenses directly associated with international touring and performance. According to program guidelines, eligible costs include artist and creative worker fees, international travel, accommodation, per diems, insurance, visas, freight or baggage, childcare, carer costs, and access expenses such as Auslan, translation, and captioning. The fund also covers expenses associated with reducing the environmental impact of touring.
Management costs are permitted but capped at a maximum of 10% of the total budget request. Furthermore, artist management expenses cannot be the primary activity applied for under the grant.
Did You Know? The program actively encourages accessibility measures. Budgets can include costs for temporary building adjustments, audio description, and specific technical equipment for d/Deaf artists or artists with disabilities, as outlined by Creative Australia.
Application Criteria and Ineligibility Factors
Applicants cannot apply if they have already submitted an application to the same category in the current round, have an overdue grant report, owe money to Creative Australia, or have applied to Arts Projects grant rounds for the exact same activity. Additionally, activities conducted within Australia or within an artist’s country of residence are strictly ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Music Australia Export Development Fund?
It is a matched-funding initiative managed by Creative Australia and the Australian Government that supports contemporary music artists with international touring and performance activities.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Grants range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $75,000, subject to an equal or greater matched financial contribution.
Can in-kind contributions count toward the match?
No. In-kind contributions and other government grants cannot be used as matched funding under program rules.
Who is eligible to apply?
Australian citizens and permanent residents who are practicing contemporary music artists, composers, creators, or music businesses applying on behalf of artists.
Ready to take your music global? Explore the full guidelines and submit your application through the official Creative Australia portal. Leave a comment below if you have questions about the application process, or share this article with fellow musicians preparing for international tours.
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